AP bug

[SwissmadeTexan]

Hey guys! First time really exploring the AP forums on here. I’m really really drawn to AP as of late. I haven’t ever had or even held an AP. Really doing a lot of research and such online.

I’m going to assume scheduling time/going into a boutique will be a huge waste of time since pieces are trading for 2x+ retail prices? Similar to most Rolex ADs at this time? Assuming no SS or sport models available unless you’re a very high roller of some kind or previous relationship?

[SwissmadeTexan]

Welp found the recent allocation thread which basically answers my question. @Mods can lock or delete me thread here if y’all wish.

[GreenLantern]

Depressing, isn't it?

Watch collecting is not as fun as it used to be.

[Screwly]

I can’t even get on a waitlist….

[Sleepy996]

Shoot us your budget and and what models you like and might be able to point you in the right direction on pre owned models.

[macrowatch]

Fly to NYC. Go to 47th street to see all the current models to see what fits you best. Then Visit NYC botique to play the SS lottery.

[SwissmadeTexan]

Haha thanks for the chuckles guys. I’d say my budget is like $25-28k and want a 15450 37mm. Grey or blue. I’m sure that’s too much to ask in this market. I shoulda got the bug earlier this year. And I hate to get rid of my Hulk or Pepsi just to have a nice AP. It is rather depressing to be honest.

[huncho]

Originally Posted by SwissmadeTexan

Haha thanks for the chuckles guys. I’d say my budget is like $25-28k and want a 15450 37mm. Grey or blue. I’m sure that’s too much to ask in this market. I shoulda got the bug earlier this year. And I hate to get rid of my Hulk or Pepsi just to have a nice AP. It is rather depressing to be honest.

grey and white 15450 goes for around 33k new and 31k used right now. so if you're ok to stretch a bit it's definitely doable. blue is like 45k though

[AK797]

Originally Posted by huncho

grey and white 15450 goes for around 33k new and 31k used right now. so if you're ok to stretch a bit it's definitely doable. blue is like 45k though

If so then this seems a fair deal in today's market, I've not been following the ROs resales but had a look yesterday and saw 15202s selling for over £70K GBP! That is fast moving into 5711, even 5712, territory.

[shkure]

Originally Posted by SwissmadeTexan

Haha thanks for the chuckles guys. I’d say my budget is like $25-28k and want a 15450 37mm. Grey or blue. I’m sure that’s too much to ask in this market. I shoulda got the bug earlier this year. And I hate to get rid of my Hulk or Pepsi just to have a nice AP. It is rather depressing to be honest.

Not sure where you are based but the gray 37mm can be obtained from the AD with about 1 year wait.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SwissmadeTexan]

Originally Posted by shkure

Not sure where you are based but the gray 37mm can be obtained from the AD with about 1 year wait.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah? Closest Boutique to me is about 4 hours away in Dallas, Texas. I’m located in Houston. I’m definitely going to try to make an appointment in any case and drive up and see if I can make a deposit get a clear spot in line for one.

I’ve been to local Rolex ADs recently and none will even take my money or put me on any kind of list for ANY SS sport models. Even at one with some bridal and some watch purchase history. It’s so absurd.

Thanks for the replies guys. I’m definitely going to get one the question is when!

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by SwissmadeTexan

Yeah? Closest Boutique to me is about 4 hours away in Dallas, Texas. I’m located in Houston. I’m definitely going to try to make an appointment in any case and drive up and see if I can make a deposit get a clear spot in line for one.

I’ve been to local Rolex ADs recently and none will even take my money or put me on any kind of list for ANY SS sport models. Even at one with some bridal and some watch purchase history. It’s so absurd.

Thanks for the replies guys. I’m definitely going to get one the question is when!

Candidly no chance in Dallas. Go to NY.

[SwissmadeTexan]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Candidly no chance in Dallas. Go to NY.

Yeah? Damn, New York is quite a trip for a dream that maybe they’ll come thru. Why do you say no chance in Dallas?

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by SwissmadeTexan

Haha thanks for the chuckles guys. I’d say my budget is like $25-28k and want a 15450 37mm. Grey or blue.

Blue is a challenge, but I don't think a grey 15450 is hopeless. Will obviously require a trip to a boutique and proper introduction, but worth a try.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by SwissmadeTexan

Haha thanks for the chuckles guys. I’d say my budget is like $25-28k and want a 15450 37mm. Grey or blue. I’m sure that’s too much to ask in this market. I shoulda got the bug earlier this year. And I hate to get rid of my Hulk or Pepsi just to have a nice AP. It is rather depressing to be honest.

It's not far off. David just undercut chase by listing a silver dial for sub 29k.

Mark this post a change is coming. Might be slow but it is coming.

[yOyOYoo]

Originally Posted by Etschell

It's not far off. David just undercut chase by listing a silver dial for sub 29k.

Mark this post a change is coming. Might be slow but it is coming.

I saw that one too. I believe it’s a 2015 watch, that’s why the price is much lower than the newer versions.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by yOyOYoo

I saw that one too. I believe it’s a 2015 watch, that’s why the price is much lower than the newer versions.

I still think it shows a smidge of movement.

Perhaps I am wrong but to me the year of the watch is less critical than has been made to believe recently.

Really why someone would pay more for a used watch based in model production year alone, other than warranty, is beyond me.

I only say this because a nos hot watch sells at a premium regardless of the year produced. A used watch is a used watch regardless of the year produced.

It is smart marketing to convince the consumer that you should pay more for a newer used watch.

I am not saying that is the specific case with these two just saying in general.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by Etschell

It's not far off. David just undercut chase by listing a silver dial for sub 29k.

Mark this post a change is coming. Might be slow but it is coming.

I'm unimpressed by the polishing job on the white/silver 15450. The grey one is better, if not quite perfect. Of course one could always get a new bezel.

[SwissmadeTexan]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

I'm unimpressed by the polishing job on the white/silver 15450. The grey one is better, if not quite perfect. Of course one could always get a new bezel.

Yeah definitely agree but doesn’t seem terribly bad. Maybe this is the reason for the lower price.

[dre-techie]

I would encourage you to call your boutique and go meet them, express your interest. They may have pieces they can show you, but are already sold.

Unless you want 15500, 15202 or the latest 43mm Offshores, I'm not sure it's as bad as the internet makes it sound...

I want to see some ROC in person before I decide what I want next. I asked my boutique to let me know when I can see one even if not available to buy. I have two RO that I've had before the hype hit, so not a high roller, and I am certainly not going to buy watches I don't want.

[yOyOYoo]

I agree I wish I got the AP bug earlier as well. I believe pre-owned 15450s were selling for ~$12K to $15K just 3 years ago. I think it still may be worth visiting the boutique so that they can see your real interest in the brand.

[SwissmadeTexan]

Originally Posted by yOyOYoo

I agree I wish I got the AP bug earlier as well. I believe pre-owned 15450s were selling for ~$12K to $15K just 3 years ago. I think it still may be worth visiting the boutique so that they can see your real interest in the brand.

Yeah sounds like a good idea. Question is should I wear a Rolex? If so which one? Hulk? Ceramic Pepsi? Or Wimbledon?

[spryken]

Originally Posted by SwissmadeTexan

Yeah sounds like a good idea. Question is should I wear a Rolex? If so which one? Hulk? Ceramic Pepsi? Or Wimbledon?

Me and my friends drop by our local boutique with G-shocks and myself on Laco watch.

I’m not going there to show how much I can spend, I’m there because I wanted to learn about AP more and what’s good for me.

I’ve got my watch in a short period and also awaiting for next collection, which now my place is stuck with lockdown and I can’t do collection.

Just give a try to the boutique and show your interest, I definitely think the experience is much better compared to what you have in mind.
Good luck

[DadFuelBBQ]

The Dallas boutique has been nothing but very friendly and helpful to me. I definitely recommend reaching out to them!

[AG_Watches]

I’m in DFW and so far have enjoyed the Dallas boutique the least out of all of my AP experiences. I was able to Aquire a 15450 white dial from boston over the phone with a 2 week wait and a 26331st panda over the phone with Bal Harbor with a 1 year wait. The NY boutique was also receptive and took my info, but from my experiences within the last 12 months you don’t necessarily need to fly or visit unless you really want too. The Dallas boutique typically has 2-3 watches tops at anytime usually 2 codes and an offshore. The service in dallas is great but their willingness to not play favorites is awful.

[GreenLantern]

I'd say give Dallas a shot. Things might change as production gets back to normal post-pandemic.

They can't sustain business with virtually zero inventory forever.

[SwissmadeTexan]

Ahhh nice, I didn’t know there was a boutique in Boston! I’m actually headed there next weekend. Definitely will pop in and see while I’m in town. Will they deal with an out of towner? Ship me a watch if I get some kind of allocation in the future after introduction?

[Rogerab]

Originally Posted by SwissmadeTexan

Ahhh nice, I didn’t know there was a boutique in Boston! I’m actually headed there next weekend. Definitely will pop in and see while I’m in town. Will they deal with an out of towner? Ship me a watch if I get some kind of allocation in the future after introduction?

Stop into European Watch on Newbury Street. They are a dealer and you’ll be able to see many APs. Asking prices are at the high end of the grey market. Boutique is a friendly spot but not much to see at present. Good luck with your search.

[SwissmadeTexan]

Originally Posted by Fenrira

Sometimes there is no substitute. Getting a substitute piece won’t scratch the itch. Of course, getting your first RO will temporarily satisfy the itch until you want another one, but at least it’ll be a longer period before you want the next one.

Yeah agree, obviously I could buy another brand but it definitely won’t scratch the itch and will just be a waste that could go toward what I truly want. I have 3 Rolex’s and just added a seamaster 300m white dial to the collection. I could part with one of my Rolex’s but I’d def regret selling the Hulk or ceramic Pepsi so doesn’t seem like a good option.

Originally Posted by Rogerab

Stop into European Watch on Newbury Street. They are a dealer and you’ll be able to see many APs. Asking prices are at the high end of the grey market. Boutique is a friendly spot but not much to see at present. Good luck with your search.

Thanks I will definitely check them out while I’m in town!

[AG_Watches]

Originally Posted by SwissmadeTexan

Ahhh nice, I didn’t know there was a boutique in Boston! I’m actually headed there next weekend. Definitely will pop in and see while I’m in town. Will they deal with an out of towner? Ship me a watch if I get some kind of allocation in the future after introduction?

All of the boutiques will certainly deal with out of town owners and ship a watch to you. However, if you are not present in person to collect it when your allocation arrives the only form of payment they will accept is wire if its your first purchase from that specific location. So if you are looking to get a ton of airlines miles from your purchase its not really an option unless you fly to collect it. I had to wire for both purchases since different locations.

I spent 1-2 hours one day calling every boutique in US, Mexico. 75% were a waste of time, but Bal Harbor, Boston, and NY boutiques all had prolonged 20-30 min conversations. Took my current watch collection down as well as my wishlist from AP. Then Boston and Bal Harbor actually followed up with me consistently. Have not heard from NY as of yet.

During my phone calls the two rudest boutiques / unwilling to help at all were LA and Las Vegas. They were 30 sec conversations tops and practically hung up on me for even expressing interest.